On the 'sorts' of folksong, you'll never please everyone. Some people will always want mainly or exclusively traditional folk. And I've been to clubs in the distant past where virtually every performer - as well as the guest - is a singer songwriter.

I started a new folk club two and a half years ago based on my ideal club model (inevitably
it's your first club!) I invited the people who sing/play the types of folk I like AND who I thought would contribute to the sort of easy going atmosphere I sought. I advertised the club to a totally new audience - the local community by door-to-door leaflets; with a run of dates for three months at twice a month. After three meets it was obvious we could sustain a club every week - and it's run as such ever since (Brighton Cellarfolk - just got back from the latest meet - come and see us!).

I has evolved - there was a filtering process. But if you can please enough people to get the club established, it will find its own character and mix of styles people will support.

Ian Fyvie